How do I become a foster parent?
Whether you're committing to a long-term or short-term opportunity, CMFCAA can help you navigate the process of becoming a foster parent or adoptive parent.
All of CMFCAA's programs are geared toward strengthening, recruiting and retaining quality foster and adoptive homes for our most vulnerable children who have suffered from neglect and abuse.
To be a foster parent:
- You must be 21 years old or older
- You may be single or married
- You may live in a house, apartment, in the city, or in a rural area
- You may have biological children, grandchildren, or an empty nest
- You may be any race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation
How much does it cost? There is little to no cost involved in becoming a foster parent. The home assessment and training is provided by the state free of charge.
Create an account on the CMFCAA.care Client Portal. Once you register, the client portal allows you to submit a Self Referral.
How do I become a respite provider?
Respite care is care provided to a foster or adopted child for a short period of time by someone other than the primary caregivers.
Respite care gives foster, adoptive, and kinship parents and children the chance to have short, regular periods of time apart in which they can rest and recharge.
To be a respite provider:
- You must be 21 years old
- Pass a CAN report (Child Abuse & Neglect) and a background screening
- Complete a walk-through with a CMFCAA home assessor
The typical turnaround to become a licensed respite provider is 30–90 days. You have full control over your respite placement decisions. When a family needs assistance, we will call you, and you can say yes or no.
How can I volunteer?
CMFCAA would love to have you volunteer with us, whether alone, with a friend, or as an office team-building opportunity.
Odyssey Events
Volunteers supervise and interact with children of all ages, assist with snack time set up and cleanup, and ensure children's safety throughout the event.
Childcare
CMFCAA strives to offer childcare during our monthly training opportunities. Volunteers supervise and interact with children throughout the training, ensuring their safety at all times.
Office Help
Sort inventory in our Begin Again Backpack room, tidy up our playground, work on mailing or calling lists, or do basic data entry.
Team Building Projects
If your office or community group is looking to volunteer together, contact our Administrative Assistant at the Jefferson City Office.
Volunteer Driver
By partnering with transportation providers, drivers can earn mileage reimbursement at a federal level, can set their own hours and have free training. Learn about Transportation
Fill out our volunteer application for information about volunteer opportunities, and we will be in touch!
Does CMFCAA offer internships?
Yes. Join our internship program for hands-on experience, valuable skills, a real impact, and flexible hours.
- Available in Jefferson City, Columbia, Rolla, and Osage Beach
- Remote, hybrid, and in-person opportunities
- Marketing, kinship, youth programs, administrative, learning and development, and respite internship opportunities
Apply today at SonyaCrutchfield@CMFCAA.com to unlock new opportunities for your future!
How do I join the Board of Directors?
If you have a few days, you can join our Board of Directors.
How can I give to CMFCAA?
All donations are used to sustain our programs for foster, adoptive, and kinship/guardianship children and families in central Missouri.
Children deserve to live in a world where they are safe and cared for. That is what each of our programs fight for every day. Donations are tax-deductible.
What your donations have helped with: Respite Events, Adoption Services, and Seasonal Care Packs.
You can also donate gently used children's clothing or household items to help children and families access practical support during important moments of transition.
What if I only have a few moments?
If you only have a few moments, follow us on social media, sign up for our newsletter, or refer a friend to help spread the word about the good we do.